Ohio State Fires Coach Chris Holtmann

The Buckeyes are 14-11 this season.

In the throes of a mediocre season, Ohio State is reportedly making a change.

The Buckeyes (14–11) have dismissed coach Chris Holtmann,  Jeff Goodman of The Field of 68 reported Wednesday morning. Sports Illustrated’s Pat Forde subsequently confirmed the report.

Holtmann, 52, had served in his current post since the 2017-18 season.

Under the Lexington, Ky., native, Ohio State went 137–86 and made four NCAA tournament appearances. However, the Buckeyes never advanced past the second round in Holtmann’s tenure, and he oversaw their upset loss in the first round at the hands of Oral Roberts in 2021.

Ohio State is parting ways with Chris Holtmann, who coached the Buckeyes for six-plus seasons :: Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Before taking his current job, Holtmann led Butler to three straight NCAA tournaments from 2014-15 through ’16-17. He also coached Gardner-Webb from 2010-11 through ’12-13.

The Buckeyes’ athletic department is currently in transition, with athletic director Gene Smith set to retire on June 30. He will be replaced by Ross Bjork, formerly the athletic director at Texas A&M.

Ohio State’s next scheduled game is a home date against No. 2 Purdue (22–2) on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.